put the brakes on (someone or something)
put the brakes on (someone or something)
To slow, impede, or stop someone's or something's progress or activities. The recent economic downturn put the brakes on the government's plans for redeveloping the region's transportation system. They put the brakes on our department because they felt our criticism was too damaging to the company's image.
See also: brake, on, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
put the brakes on someone
Fig. to block someone's activities; to cause someone to stop doing something. (Based on put the brakes on something.) The boss put the brakes on Gerald, who was trying too aggressively to get promoted. We are going to have to put the brakes on you if you make any more difficulties.
See also: brake, on, put
put the brakes on something
to halt or impede some process. The manager had to put the brakes on the Wilson project due to lack of funds. We will put the brakes on this project because it is costing too much money.
See also: brake, on, put
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
put the brakes on something
If someone or something puts the brakes on or puts the brakes on something, it causes a process or activity to slow down or stop. He put the brakes on his social life and concentrated on his work. The company needs to put the brakes on and slow things down. Note: You can also say that someone or something puts on the brakes. I was ready to make an offer on the house, until my wife put on the brakes.
See also: brake, on, put, something
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- put the brakes on
- put the brakes on something
- put the clamps on
- put the clamps on (someone or something)
- put the clamps on someone/something
- not stand in (someone's or something's) way
- not stand in somebody's way
- the rubber hits the road
- the rubber meets the road
- a track record